Becky Pursley
Becky Pursley is the Commercial and Fleet Sales Manager at Ford Motor Company in Brooksville, Florida, where she brings a unique combination of public service experience and business acumen to the automotive industry. Prior to joining Ford, Becky dedicated 18 years to law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Her time in public service sharpened her skills in leadership, discipline, and strategic problem-solving—qualities that seamlessly translated into her second career in automotive sales.
In late 2024, Becky made a bold career pivot, joining Ford as a Sales Consultant. Within just eight months, she not only adapted to her new role but excelled in it—establishing the dealership’s first-ever Commercial and Fleet Department. Her ability to identify untapped potential and deliver measurable business value quickly led to her promotion to Sales Manager. She now leads the department she built from the ground up, managing operations, client relationships, and vendor partnerships.
Becky’s approach is rooted in integrity, trust, and results. Her deep understanding of both government operations and commercial needs enables her to serve a wide range of clients with insight and precision. She takes pride in creating lasting partnerships and helping businesses of all sizes grow their fleets through tailored Ford solutions. Whether you're part of a municipality, a small business owner, or a vendor looking to collaborate, Becky is a trusted partner who leads with experience and delivers with heart.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong examples set by the important women and mentors in my life. Growing up, my mother ran our household with dedication and grace, teaching me the value of hard work and perseverance. I’ve been deeply shaped by personal experiences in the workplace, including the unexpected loss of a dear colleague and mentor, Oscar. His guidance—to not take things personally and to focus on being a strong, compassionate leader even in the face of criticism—has profoundly influenced how I lead. His example reminded me that leadership is not about avoiding challenges or criticism, but about staying focused on supporting your team, making thoughtful decisions, and leading with integrity. That lesson continues to guide me every day in how I approach my work and relationships with colleagues.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
While training a young woman, in her very early twenties, I was speaking out loud to myself (actually, it was more like chastising with a few expletives sprinkled in), about everything I needed to get done one morning after just showing up to work. The young trainee said to me, "stop doing that right now." Puzzled by her demand, I asked what she meant. She then proceeded to tell me that over the course of the past two weeks, while training her, she had watched me: work circles around a lot of my colleagues, witness me drop whatever I was doing multiple times to help someone with a request, complete countless tasks that she was certain weren't in my job description-all while training her and two other new sales people. She was shaking her head and she just looked at me and said "no one here deserves more grace than you do, so don't forget to give yourself some from time to time".
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the automotive industry is to develop thick skin and strong self-confidence, and to focus on your own growth rather than comparing yourself to others. Success comes from prioritizing your goals, learning continuously, and taking the time to train and mentor others effectively. By doing so, you not only advance your own career but also help build a stronger, more skilled team around you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my field right now is navigating leadership as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment. It requires staying confident, maintaining professional conduct in all situations, and proving your capabilities while building respect and credibility. At the same time, this presents a tremendous opportunity to inspire and mentor other women, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for the next generation of leaders.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty: Say what you mean. Accountability: Mean what you say. Integrity: Do the same thing whether you are being watched by millions or you are completely alone. Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions, own up to your mistakes, and make amends-none of this is beneath you. Courage: It's necessary to be a great leader. Adaptability: The only thing certain about life, in general, is that it's NEVER certain. Don't be afraid to embrace change; even when it's uncomfortable. And if you can't embrace it; at least try to accept it and make the best of it.